Morgan Spurlock, the renowned documentary filmmaker best known for his groundbreaking 2004 feature Super Size Me, died Thursday in upstate New York due to complications of cancer.
The 53-year-old’s family confirmed his death to Variety in a heartfelt statement. “It was a sad day, as we said goodbye to my brother Morgan,” said Craig Spurlock, who collaborated with his brother on several projects. “Morgan gave so much through his art, ideas, and generosity. Today the world has lost a true creative genius and a special man. I am so proud to have worked together with him.”
Spurlock shot to fame with Super Size Me, a provocative documentary in which he chronicled his own psychological and physical deterioration after consuming only McDonald’s food for 30 days. The film’s premise also included a rule that Spurlock must accept the “super-size” option if prompted during a transaction and reduce his physical activity to mirror that of an average American. By the end of his experiment, Spurlock reported gaining 25 pounds and experiencing depression and liver dysfunction.
The documentary resonated widely upon its release in 2004, grossing $22 million globally and igniting a critical discussion on the fast food industry’s role in promoting unhealthy eating habits. In the wake of the film’s success, McDonald’s discontinued its
“super-size” option.
Spurlock received an Oscar nomination for Best Documentary Feature that year and won the award for Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival.
Spurlock began his career in the entertainment industry as a playwright, earning accolades for his 1999 play “The Phoenix” at the New York Fringe Festival.
Prior to gaining widespread recognition, he created and hosted the gonzo web series “Bet You Will,” where contestants were paid to perform outrageous tasks for money, such as eating a full jar of mayonnaise. The show aired on both MTV and the now-defunct Spike.
Spurlock is survived by his two children, Laken and Kallen; his mother, Phyllis Spurlock; his father, Ben (Iris); his brothers, Craig (Carolyn) and Barry (Buffy); multiple nieces and nephews; and his former spouses, Alexandra Jamieson and Sara Bernstein.
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